Myanmar Election Marked by Conflict and Coercion Amid Civil War
An election in Myanmar is scheduled to be held in three stages over a month beginning 28 December, but voting is unlikely to take place in large parts of the country due to the ongoing civil war.
The National League for Democracy (NLD) has been dissolved, and its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, remains imprisoned. The main contest is now between the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which secured about 6% of parliamentary seats in the 2020 vote.
Observers characterize the poll as a sham, with campaigning heavily constrained by fear and intimidation. Journalists face strict restrictions, and locals are often reluctant to speak out. A law introduced in July criminalizes speech, organizing, or inciting actions that disrupt the electoral process. Activists have been charged under this law, with rewards offered for information leading to prosecutions; past cases include lengthy prison terms for social media posts related to protests.
Military ruler Min Aung Hlaing is pursuing legitimacy through the election, publicly participating in symbolic events and aiming to extend control into reconquered areas during the third stage of voting.
China provides diplomatic support as well as technical and financial aid to the military junta, which is also backed by Chinese and Russian weaponry. Regional observers view the election process as a potential off-ramp from the current political deadlock.
During a campaign event in Mandalay, USDP candidate Tayza Kyaw addressed an audience of 300 to 400 attendees. The event coincided with earthquake victims seeking aid, while many residents face coercion or fear. In districts affected by civil war around Mandalay, voting is severely limited or prevented altogether.
